Patriot Viper II Sector 7 PC3 14400 Cas 9 6GB Review

Introduction:

The Intel Core i7 architecture was launched back in November of 2008. With that launch, memory manufacturers had to search for modules that would run the speeds we need, while still meeting the 1.65v maximum voltage to the modules, or .15 over JEDEC spec for DDR3 modules. This is to preserve the integrated memory controller so it did not suffer the same fate as the A64 chips from AMD when the memory was over-volted. Of course slapping 3.0+ volts through some BH-5 modules has its advantages when you are shooting for world records, but for everyday use, something more realistic was in order. When Intel's latest micro architecture was launched, we looked at a set of Patriots Viper Series modules rated at 1333Mhz with timings of 9-9-9-24. Fast-forward a couple years and latencies have dropped dramatically, with speeds trending ever higher while still keeping at, or slightly above Intel's 1.65v guidance. Just last month, Patriot rolled out a 4GB set of Sector 5 modules for use on a P55 based platform that came out the door running at 2500Mhz. No small feat in itself running speeds this high. The Sector 7 modules are the logical progression up from the Sector 5 series and are for use with the X58 platform. Let's see if this 6GB set of memory from Patriot performs under the gun.

Closer Look:

This set of Patriot Sector 5 modules comes in a package sized to fit all three of the modules. A color change from red on the Sector 5 packaging to blue on the Sector 7 modules. The front of the package shows the design of the Sector 7 modules the part number and rated speed and a 25th anniversary graphic celebrating 25 years in operation. The rear identifies this set of modules as part of the Viper series of modules, lists free technical support as a feature, lists the addresses and method of contact for its main facilities. On the bottom left is the mention of the lifetime warranty on this set of modules. Inside the package, you get the traditional blister pack style of packaging. This method seems to hold the modules firmly in place preventing any damage.

The Patriot Sector 7 modules are part of Patriots Extreme Performance Enhanced Latency line up with each module hand tested before it leaves the factory. Each set of modules are built using pre-sorted IC's to make sure these modules stand up to the rigors of use by the overclocker or enthusiast. This set of modules carries part number PV736G1800ELK and are built to run at PC3 14400 speeds or 1800Mhz with timings of 9-9-9-27 using 1.65 volts and carries an XMP profile for this configuration. Where this series of modules differs from the Viper series is in the construction of the heat sinks used on the modules. The original Viper Series modules used an AOC (Aluminum on Copper) heat shield that utilized the benefits of both Aluminum and copper to deliver excellent cooling to the dram chips. The Viper II series uses and extruded aircraft aluminum heatshield to keep the modules cool. When I tested the Sector 5 modules I found the heat shields to be effective at transferring the heat from the IC's to be dissipated by the airflow around the modules.

The new heat shield should offer cooling benefits, but how does that transfer into real performance numbers?